The CCYW's theme is 'Engaging Young People in Nation Building: The Youth Worker’s Role.' This theme was selected to re-examine the role of youth work practitioners and academics in engaging young people in the development of their countries. Find out more about the CCYW’s theme and sub-themes

Objectives of the CCYW

Encourage the creation and sharing of knowledge around youth work theory and practice,

Accelerate the recognition of, and investment in, youth work as a profession,

Profile the youth worker’s role in mobilizing young people as change agents and contributors to nation building, and

Facilitate the establishment of a Commonwealth Alliance of Youth Workers’ Associations.

Who is the CCYW for?

In keeping with the Commonwealth’s strategic focus of supporting the professionalisation of the youth work sector, the CCYW caters to practicing youth workers including representatives of youth work associations, youth work managers, policy makers focusing on youth development and empowerment, academics teaching in the area of youth work practice, and young people active as peer youth workers.

As the Commonwealth is also striving to find avenues where youth work intersects with other non-youth-focused sectors, practitioners and academics in other disciplines whose work engages or benefits youth, and has youth work elements, are also welcome.

Who can present papers/share their work?

All those communities referred to above, and others with a critical interest in youth work, are encouraged to submit proposals for presentations. The Conference Committee is seeking a balance of presentations by practitioners (youth workers, managers and policy makers), young people and academics. Preference will be given to the presentation of proposals that show evidence of impactful and/or innovative youth work policy and practice. Preference may also be given to submissions from Commonwealth countries.